Gerard and Karin Charteris had the position, all that was needed was the definitive home.
The couple had spent 20 years at 3 Dempsey Street in Remuera, Auckland, before embarking on realising that home with the help of celebrated designer Brian Cullen four years ago.
The result is a marvelously studied build matched with privacy and an exceptional location. A build both Gerard and Karin say they relished every step of.
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The vendors lived on the same site for more than 20 years before building this home. Photo / Supplied
Gerard, a Ray White agent, is now bringing his own home to auction, marketing the property with colleague Trent Colyer.
“After living in the same site for more than 20 years the decision to build was not where to build but what type of home to build,” Karin says.
“Small, practical and bland, or strap in and enjoy a ride to build a dream home with bespoke cabinetry and trimmings, high-end appliances and importantly a wow factor.
“The brief to Brian Cullen was simple.
“The devil really is in the detail ...,” says vendor and Ray White agent Gerard Charteris of his Remuera home. Photo / Supplied
“The home had to be solidly built with generous windows, floor-to-ceiling sliders on the northern boundary and with plenty of storage, and he certainly delivered, with solid concrete walls, wide plank European floors, striking textured Italian tiled walls (that everyone wants to touch), and large walls for displaying art,” Karin adds.
The concrete home’s exterior contrasts with liberal amounts of texture, depth and colour in its interior.
Gerard’s 30-odd years in real estate gave him a good idea of what he liked and didn’t like in a house, he says in many ways the home is a culmination of the best aspects of the best homes he’s marketed over the years.
The house is “full of texture, moodiness colour and space”. Photo / Supplied
“It’s a home full of texture, moodiness colour and space. The devil really is in the detail and the detail means the home not only looks fantastic but also feels amazing.
“It works effortlessly when entertaining large numbers or intimate family settings.”
Five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas have served the couple well.
They use every part of the home, but they both agree, the kitchen and dining area which extends to outside entertaining, is most definitely their favourite part of the home.
3 Dempsey Street in Remuera, Auckland, has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living areas and a double garage. Photo / Supplied
The striking bespoke kitchen offers Miele appliances in pairs – two ovens, two dishwashers and a double fridge, with the added luxury of a butler’s pantry with open shelving.
“Indoors and outdoors can feel like one due to the floor-to-ceiling solid glass sliders attached to the exterior to enable maximum access to outdoors and full enjoyment of the garden, water feature and louvred outdoor room.”
The brief for the garden was straightforward – classic and low maintenance. That directive was delivered in the form of meticulous hedges providing simplicity and privacy at once.
The brief for the garden was straightforward – classic and low maintenance. Photo / Supplied
“It’s like we’re in our very own cocoon,” says Gerard.
The home is as clever as it is beautiful. A Smart Home system centrally operates lighting, heating, cooling and security.
Double Grammar-zoned, the Benson Road shops and Orakei Basin are within quick reach, making its location second to none.
3 Dempsey Street in Remuera, Auckland will be sold at auction on March 9.
